Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Good cultural expereince Past Review

By (Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 07/11/2015 to 08/13/2015 with

AMIDEAST: Rabat - Summer Intensive Arabic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Knowledge of moroccan culture

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses were really good, but I was placed in a level that was too easy so I didnt progress as much as i wanted to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Disorganized

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My family did not speak fusha with me so I didnt not get language immersion at home.

* Food:

Food was great

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Would have been better if my family only spoke fusha to me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didnt have any health care issues.

* Safety:

I felt safe but there was a lot of verbal harassment

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Morocco was very affordable

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-100 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Content course in Arabic
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make sure you stay with a family that only uses the target language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling in Morocco
* What could be improved?
  • The host Families
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about the culture

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.